Best Gastro Pubs in Center City

We had come into Philly to enjoy some holiday shopping and I thought Dandelion would be a nice, cozy spot for lunch on a cold December day. It was perfect! We were shown to a lovely corner booth upstairs where every table was full, but the noise level was a non-issue. Bella proved to be a knowledgeable and professional server and had good suggestions regarding beverages and menu selections. I enjoyed the salmon pate and my husband's burger was terrific. It was the typical Stephen Starr restaurant experience: creative, authentic decor; well-trained professional staff; and great food.

Food was good. The place was busy which meant the server was spread pretty thin. It was nice that the managers were out greeting the guests.

Again, this is a 4.5 star restaurant—across all categories, including value and quality of food. The service, for me, was top notch—not only were servers attentive but were very friendly and seemed genuinely interested in making my experience enjoyable. I had some nice recommendations regarding some simple questions posed (burger or fish and chips? For which I was guided to an excellent burger at perfect requested temperature!) and my water and Guinness glasses were kept filled without the servers being too cloying. The Guinness was an excellent pour as well, and the Brussels Sprouts appetizer with kielbasa was a different twist and also well prepared. The only nitpick I had in terms of food was the hand cut fires, which were house made and fresh, were a bit tepid and flabby when served. The other nitpick was a seating issue—I was a bit nippy while seated at a hi-top in the bar area—the side door which was directly behind me let in cold air each time it was open. This is practically uncorrectable by the restaurant—so treat this not as a condemnation but as a pro-tip for your experience there (don’t sit behind that door in the winter!) And you should go—this was a quality experience and would go again (and again).

Amazing experience! The decor is on theme with everything we love about Harry Potter, and the Christmas decorations were magical! Food was off the charts (try the Brussel Sprouts)!

It’s a great neighborhood restaurant. Food & service are very good & everyone is welcoming.